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How does one register a vehicle like this for public roads?
I still have the frame from the electrathon car I built in highschool. The entire car with batteries weighed about 200lbs and had no suspension. The frame was entirely aluminum, perhaps 1"OD round tubing and a very beefy square tube aluminum axle. Modified bicycle wheels were used, and extra spokes were added to give lateral strength. Tires were aired up to 110psi. The motor and controller sat behind and below the driver as the seat was reclined. Since the car needed to turn more sharply than on public roads, the front axle was closer to the rear axle, and the drivers legs went over top of it. The 63lbs of allowable lead-acid battery was placed under and between the drivers legs to help balance the weight of the vehicle. Having the driver, motor, and controller in the rear made the front too light. Lexan was curved and used for the entire front/sides of the vehicle, with coroplast used in the rear.
With a 2hp motor, I managed to get the car up to 46mph on the 1/4mile oval running track before it became too unstable and was at the traction limit. I'd estimate it could do close to 55mph on a runway. Rollover was impossible due to the low center of gravity, although I saw it happen with other cars when they collide.
I second the HID headlight idea. Perhaps a single, 30w front bulb.
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